Jonathan worked hard to smooth things over before engaging Roxanne in a conversation about Horington's pharmaceutical industry. Roxanne patiently conversed with him. Meanwhile, Lucian remained silent, quietly finishing his wine.

When Jonathan noticed that more than half the bottle was gone, he hastily ended the meal. "It's late; let's call it a day. I'll urge the medicinal herb suppliers to finalize the time as soon as possible." Roxanne, eager to leave, readily agreed.

The three went downstairs together. Roxanne offered to pay, but Jonathan stopped her.

"I was joking! How could I let you pay? My grandfather would skin me alive!"

He quickly paid the bill and then, with a smug look, rejoined Lucian, who frowned silently. Seeing that Jonathan had mentioned his grandfather, and the cost was insignificant to him, Roxanne didn't insist.

By the time they left, it was nearly nine o'clock. Roxanne, though an acquaintance, had drunk quite a bit and felt slightly tipsy. The cool night air sobered her somewhat.

Jonathan spoke. "How are you getting home, Dr. Jarvis? Would you like a ride?"

Roxanne had driven herself, but after drinking, she couldn't drive home. Looking at the traffic, she replied, "Thank you, Mr. Queen, but my place is out of your way. I'll take a taxi." She started toward the road.

Jonathan glanced at Lucian, who stared with a dark expression at Roxanne's retreating figure.

"It's rush hour; a taxi will take forever. I'll drive you. We're going by car, not walking," Jonathan called out.

Roxanne hesitated. It seemed inappropriate to repeatedly refuse such a small favor after he'd done her such a large one.

Jonathan added, "Don't be formal. My grandfather specifically asked me to look after you, knowing I was having dinner with you."

Roxanne, unable to refuse further, returned, smiling politely. "My apologies for the trouble."

Jonathan waved his hand dismissively. "Not at all! It would only be troublesome if you refused." He glanced meaningfully at Lucian.

Roxanne, however, missed the implication, assuming he meant his grandfather, and chuckled. They walked to the parking lot together.

Only at the parking lot did Roxanne notice Lucian had been following them. She found this odd, especially when she saw his car parked next to Jonathan's. A suspicion arose: Jonathan's "accidental" encounter was a pretext; they had arrived together.

This suspicion flickered, then faded. He didn't need to lie; he didn't know about her relationship with Lucian, so the deception was unnecessary. She dismissed the thought and got into Jonathan's car.

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